President Kennedy's Political Life
Two years after being released from active duty from the Navy, JFK won a seat in the US House of Representatives in the 11th Congressional District. JFK served as a Congressman from 1946-1952. In 1952, JFK served in the US Senate. JFK served as a Senator for 8 years. On November 8, 1960, JFK defeated Richard Nixon to become the 35th President of the United States. JFK was the youngest elected president. The 1960 Presidential Race was the closest presidential race in the 20th century; JFK defeated Nixon for 49.7 % to 49.5 %.